Wow December 2010 is almost upon us!!! I guess I better give a brief update since time flys so fast!!!
I am back living in Michigan. :) I am pursuing getting a post bachelorette degree in Secondary High School Science. I am very excited about this :) I am once again working at the Southgate Lowes store...which I love very much...and every once in awhile I get to use my Spanish...this totally makes my day!!! :)
We have started a small group for the college students that meets in my apartment every Sunday night.
Besides all the other mundane things of life, that pretty much sums up my days.
As I do all these things I am seeking to do them all because of the love of Christ. II Cor 5;14-15 has been the verse I have been seeking to live by recently, "For the love of Christ compels us because we judge thus: that if One died for all then all died, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again."
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A day at Dunkin Donuts...yummy :)
Dunkin Donuts always brings good conversations and good coffee :) ...
Today I decided to take the day and do some serious reading. I had a sermon that I was going to read by the Father of Elizabeth Prentice called God's Ways Above Men's. Dunkin Donuts was the place I went.
I ordered some coffee and an egg sandwich and started reading. The bases of the sermon was from Isaiah, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
I am not going to preach the sermon again, but there were some great things that stuck out. One of those being, how can we as humans, who are ever changing and growing in wisdom and knowledge, question the God who is omniscient and infallible? He must know so much more than we can ever even comprehend to know, what exists to know. If we were in charge, which a lot of times we try to be in our minds, we would have done things so much differently and they would not have worked!
The fact that many people will say, "Well because you can't explain this to me about God, I am not going to believe He exists," is all the more reason that He really is God. How could we serve a God that we know everything about? How could He really be eternal and infinite if we could understand why He does everything that He does?
But much of the time, we try to set ourselves up as judges. We believe we know what He wants, we know what is right, and we know truth. As the author of the sermon said the fact of the matter is as Proverbs states, "He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is a folly and shame to him" How can we think we even understand what God is doing. There is so much to Him, that we don't even know we are missing it. We have been called to trust, to believe His ways are good. This is what we need to do.
As I finished reading this sermon. I opened my Bible and read through Job 38-42. In the midst of my reading a lady walked over. "I see you are reading the Bible, I study the Bible too." she said.
I looked up and smiled, "Oh you do? That's really cool. Where do you go to church?"I asked.
"I go to the Jehovah's witness church," she replied. I thought to myself, who can know the mind of God.. I decided since she approach me I was going to just share what I was reading.
We had a 5 minute conversation or so mostly with me talking about the greatness of God, how His ways are so much higher than ours, how nothing we do could make Him give us His grace, and everything we do is as filthy rags, then we read Romans 3. She then asked if she could come to my house for a farther study. I thought to myself, usually these people you never want to come to your house because they like to argue about scripture and I don't like to do that. But again, who can know the mind of God. I told her that would be fine because I loved to talk about things of the Lord.
Who knows what will happen..but as she left, I thought to myself, How sad it is that people are blinded by their own righteousness. How many even in our christian rings would people declare you have to be a good person. Even myself sometimes, I think that I have the "answers", but I am still a human not deserving of God's love and grace. He is the one that has change my life! Who are any of us to declare that our way is right? It is not our way. It is God's way. God's way is right. He hasn't done anything how we would do it. He took tax collectors and prostitutes and gave them Himself and changed their lives. He has done the same thing for me. And that lady today, even though she is trying to make herself a Righteous person by doing things she thinks will make God give her what she wants...He has already done it for her. He wants her. He wants to change her life. Christ did not come for the righteous but to bring sinners to repentance. Sinners...last time I checked everyone falls into that category.
Today I decided to take the day and do some serious reading. I had a sermon that I was going to read by the Father of Elizabeth Prentice called God's Ways Above Men's. Dunkin Donuts was the place I went.
I ordered some coffee and an egg sandwich and started reading. The bases of the sermon was from Isaiah, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
I am not going to preach the sermon again, but there were some great things that stuck out. One of those being, how can we as humans, who are ever changing and growing in wisdom and knowledge, question the God who is omniscient and infallible? He must know so much more than we can ever even comprehend to know, what exists to know. If we were in charge, which a lot of times we try to be in our minds, we would have done things so much differently and they would not have worked!
The fact that many people will say, "Well because you can't explain this to me about God, I am not going to believe He exists," is all the more reason that He really is God. How could we serve a God that we know everything about? How could He really be eternal and infinite if we could understand why He does everything that He does?
But much of the time, we try to set ourselves up as judges. We believe we know what He wants, we know what is right, and we know truth. As the author of the sermon said the fact of the matter is as Proverbs states, "He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is a folly and shame to him" How can we think we even understand what God is doing. There is so much to Him, that we don't even know we are missing it. We have been called to trust, to believe His ways are good. This is what we need to do.
As I finished reading this sermon. I opened my Bible and read through Job 38-42. In the midst of my reading a lady walked over. "I see you are reading the Bible, I study the Bible too." she said.
I looked up and smiled, "Oh you do? That's really cool. Where do you go to church?"I asked.
"I go to the Jehovah's witness church," she replied. I thought to myself, who can know the mind of God.. I decided since she approach me I was going to just share what I was reading.
We had a 5 minute conversation or so mostly with me talking about the greatness of God, how His ways are so much higher than ours, how nothing we do could make Him give us His grace, and everything we do is as filthy rags, then we read Romans 3. She then asked if she could come to my house for a farther study. I thought to myself, usually these people you never want to come to your house because they like to argue about scripture and I don't like to do that. But again, who can know the mind of God. I told her that would be fine because I loved to talk about things of the Lord.
Who knows what will happen..but as she left, I thought to myself, How sad it is that people are blinded by their own righteousness. How many even in our christian rings would people declare you have to be a good person. Even myself sometimes, I think that I have the "answers", but I am still a human not deserving of God's love and grace. He is the one that has change my life! Who are any of us to declare that our way is right? It is not our way. It is God's way. God's way is right. He hasn't done anything how we would do it. He took tax collectors and prostitutes and gave them Himself and changed their lives. He has done the same thing for me. And that lady today, even though she is trying to make herself a Righteous person by doing things she thinks will make God give her what she wants...He has already done it for her. He wants her. He wants to change her life. Christ did not come for the righteous but to bring sinners to repentance. Sinners...last time I checked everyone falls into that category.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Updating Time
After talking with many of you who informed me that you followed this blog...but didn't realize that I wasn't going back to Honduras... I figured that I should update and make it clear. The plan was to be there teaching for the year...but because of some visa problems that we had, we were not able to go back. Thank you all for your prayers, I can say I NEEDED them ALOT!!!
I do miss my students. I am able to stay in touch with them over facebook...which is a blessing. As to why God had us come back early...well who can know the mind of God... definitely not me! I have no idea. Actually, I am still wondering on this. I am seeking and praying for what God has for this next step of the journey of my life... cause right now I have no idea! I would welcome your prayers as I seek His direction. Like my dad told me recently..."Just serve God where you are at." I am seeking to do this, but I would still appreciate your prayers too!!!
Thanks for coming with me on this journey to Honduras and back. I hope you were able to enjoy it some through reading the different experiences :).
Well see where God takes us next... Living with God is an adventure...or as the song goes..."living life means taking chances and there worth takin....lovin might be a mistake but its worth makin..." not sure how that fits in but it popped into my mind! Anyway...keep pursuing God!!1
I do miss my students. I am able to stay in touch with them over facebook...which is a blessing. As to why God had us come back early...well who can know the mind of God... definitely not me! I have no idea. Actually, I am still wondering on this. I am seeking and praying for what God has for this next step of the journey of my life... cause right now I have no idea! I would welcome your prayers as I seek His direction. Like my dad told me recently..."Just serve God where you are at." I am seeking to do this, but I would still appreciate your prayers too!!!
Thanks for coming with me on this journey to Honduras and back. I hope you were able to enjoy it some through reading the different experiences :).
Well see where God takes us next... Living with God is an adventure...or as the song goes..."living life means taking chances and there worth takin....lovin might be a mistake but its worth makin..." not sure how that fits in but it popped into my mind! Anyway...keep pursuing God!!1
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The end of one phase..the beginning of another
Well, my time here in Honduras is coming to a close. I am very excited to go home and see my family and friends. But my heart is also sad to leave my students here. I have grown to love them. They are very special. They also have a lot of love to give, and are very satisfied with little things. But due to problems that are out of our control, Laura and I will not be able to return after Christmas. This makes me very very sad. But I know that God has a plan and that He is in control. I have NO Idea what I will be doing this next semester of my life. But I am choosing to trust Him. I would appreciate your prayers as we finish up our last week here. It is hard to say good bye...and we have been asked by the principal not to let the students know...this is very hard and I am not sure I can do this. Anyway, I am so thankful for all of you, and thankful for your prayers too!!! God has taught me a lot here...I am still processing it all. Psalm 33 has been a huge encouragement to me...
vs 10
"The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.... vs 20 We wait in hope for the LORD he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you."
vs 10
"The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.... vs 20 We wait in hope for the LORD he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you."
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
God is good...
Today I am reflecting on the how good God is... I am so thankful for His goodness to me in many ways. But the most particular way today is the goodness of God in the parents that He gave me. I have been blessed so much!!!! How many people have parents that love God? Not only do my parents love me, but they love God so much more. They are a beautiful example of trusting God with every detail of their lives. Besides God they are the biggest source of wisdom in my life. They encourage me to seek what God has for me and to live my life for Him, even when it hurts them. They are my biggest cheerleaders! They are a great model of servants of God. Sometimes when things happen, I am amazed at their response of love! I praise God for them. He is good in so many ways...but what an amazing God to give me them!!! Dad and Mom.... I love you so much your the best!!!!!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
3500 meters
If God's Power is made perfect in my weakness..then I will boast in my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
A couple months ago I took a trip with my church to the wilderness of Algonquin. Such a beautiful place to take a trip for a week. I enjoy going here tons! Normally all we have is our packs and canoes and we travel about a 100 miles or so. We paddle for large amounts of time and then take a break from that by portaging with our packs and canoes through the woods. Usually I will carry a canoe with another person as to distribute the weight. This time however I decided to set a new goal. I have carried the canoe a little by myself before but only for 500 meter or so. This trip I decided to try just a bit farther. I took it 1,000 meters. After I finished this, I realized that to carry a canoe requires mental strength. If I can make my mind carry it, than I can do it with God's help! I decided that I was going to carry the canoe the longest distance that we were going by myself. This distance was 3500 meters, 2 1/2 miles. As I carried it, there were people around me that talked with me the whole way. We sang songs together and enjoyed the walk. This is not to say that it was easy...in fact there were times when I wanted to quite. I want to put the canoe down and be done. I asked God for strength to continue and He continued to help me persevere. I was able to finish it! As I reflected on the trip and what God was doing in my heart one of the lessons that I was grasping, was with God I can do anything that He enables me to do.
One night I shared around the campfire my uncertainty about the next year. I knew that I would be going to Honduras for the year. But as to what I would find and how much I would miss my family I did not know. That 3500 marker in my life meant a lot more that just finishing a portage with a canoe on my head. It meant that God could help me through anything.
Now here I am, sitting, missing my family, fellowshipping with people, the Word being preached, communication, using the gifts God has given me, special occasions, worshiping with believers, and understanding people. I getting close to the middle of the portage. But I need the strength of God to continue. He is the only one that will help me finish! He has sent me here, He will enable me to finish because there is no way I can do it on my own!!!!
As I reflect back on the lesson that God taught me this summer through going 3500 meters, I know that I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Right now I have a lot of weaknesses, as I am not in tune to this culture. But through this God's power is shown.
This is what life is about right? Bringing glory to God. If this is how I can bring Him glory...than bring it on :). I want the power of Christ to rest upon me so I will boast in my weaknesses!
A couple months ago I took a trip with my church to the wilderness of Algonquin. Such a beautiful place to take a trip for a week. I enjoy going here tons! Normally all we have is our packs and canoes and we travel about a 100 miles or so. We paddle for large amounts of time and then take a break from that by portaging with our packs and canoes through the woods. Usually I will carry a canoe with another person as to distribute the weight. This time however I decided to set a new goal. I have carried the canoe a little by myself before but only for 500 meter or so. This trip I decided to try just a bit farther. I took it 1,000 meters. After I finished this, I realized that to carry a canoe requires mental strength. If I can make my mind carry it, than I can do it with God's help! I decided that I was going to carry the canoe the longest distance that we were going by myself. This distance was 3500 meters, 2 1/2 miles. As I carried it, there were people around me that talked with me the whole way. We sang songs together and enjoyed the walk. This is not to say that it was easy...in fact there were times when I wanted to quite. I want to put the canoe down and be done. I asked God for strength to continue and He continued to help me persevere. I was able to finish it! As I reflected on the trip and what God was doing in my heart one of the lessons that I was grasping, was with God I can do anything that He enables me to do.
One night I shared around the campfire my uncertainty about the next year. I knew that I would be going to Honduras for the year. But as to what I would find and how much I would miss my family I did not know. That 3500 marker in my life meant a lot more that just finishing a portage with a canoe on my head. It meant that God could help me through anything.
Now here I am, sitting, missing my family, fellowshipping with people, the Word being preached, communication, using the gifts God has given me, special occasions, worshiping with believers, and understanding people. I getting close to the middle of the portage. But I need the strength of God to continue. He is the only one that will help me finish! He has sent me here, He will enable me to finish because there is no way I can do it on my own!!!!
As I reflect back on the lesson that God taught me this summer through going 3500 meters, I know that I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Right now I have a lot of weaknesses, as I am not in tune to this culture. But through this God's power is shown.
This is what life is about right? Bringing glory to God. If this is how I can bring Him glory...than bring it on :). I want the power of Christ to rest upon me so I will boast in my weaknesses!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Church's Chicken???
Today my 3rd graders were learning how to make the word church plural. Usually as they are learning how to use words, I will attempt to explain the definition. So thinking that most of them would know what church was, I posed the question, "What is church?" The reply I heard amongst them was, "Chicken, Pollo!" I was a bit confused for a moment. Then I heard one child say, "Church's Chicken!" I suddenly realized that the word church to these 3rd graders meant a place where they would go and buy chicken with their family. I just started laughing. I then proceeded to draw a picture of a church building and told them the Spanish word for church. Once they put 2 and 2 together, they were really baffled that a resturant would be called Pollo de Iglesia, Chicken of Church. We all had a good laugh.
This caused me to think of how people think of different words. When I think of church, I think of the people of God, the encouragement, the fellowship, the love of God, the way God works today, and the worship that we share together. But to many people the word church just means a building that people go to practice religion. I am sure even as these children learned that the translation for church is iglesia, many of them did not know what church really is. How many people do I pass on a daily basis that have a misconception of the word church? They might not think of it as Church's Chicken, but they really don't know the love, worship, teaching, and fellowship that takes place amongst the people of God. I want to be a persosn who demonstrates what a true church is.
This caused me to think of how people think of different words. When I think of church, I think of the people of God, the encouragement, the fellowship, the love of God, the way God works today, and the worship that we share together. But to many people the word church just means a building that people go to practice religion. I am sure even as these children learned that the translation for church is iglesia, many of them did not know what church really is. How many people do I pass on a daily basis that have a misconception of the word church? They might not think of it as Church's Chicken, but they really don't know the love, worship, teaching, and fellowship that takes place amongst the people of God. I want to be a persosn who demonstrates what a true church is.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The God of the IMPOSSIBLE
God is a God of the impossible!!! I have been reminded of that so much lately. Many times I don't understand at the present why things are going on. How many times have I seen God's hand at work in the past? I know that I can trust Him with what He is doing. Sometimes at the present things look hopeless. But God has said that He will do exceedingly and abundantly above all that I can ask or imagine!! When I see God do this or think about the fact that He can, it moves me to great emotion. Tonight I read one of my favorite Bible stories. Hannah pleading before God for a son and promising to give him back to the Lord if He gave her one! God gave her a boy!! This makes my heart sing and cry with gratefulness to God. He desires to give good and perfect gifts. He loves me so much! He knows my wants and my desires. He knows my needs and will always provide for them. He can do the impossible to show His power . Tonight as I fall asleep, my heart is worshiping the God of the impossible.
Monday, November 16, 2009
School Pictures
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Our Office
Who goes to school on Saturday?
Is there ever a good reason to go to school on Saturday...here in Honduras we go!!!! :) We got up at the normal time 4:45 am and were at school the whole day until 1pm!!! Parents had to come and pick up their report cards. Since I am not a homeroom teacher, I didn't have to do much.. I played with the children, and I spoke Spanish with them. This was very fun and relaxing. It was also helpful in building more relationships with them. It is hard to get to know 140 students! At least I have learned all their names praise God for His help!!! One of the first grade boys names is Jacobo. For some reason, I thought that his name was Hector. So for the first 5 weeks of school I called him Hector. He would respond, but very slowly. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with him. One day, He raised his hand and looked at me and said, "Miss Bethany, my name is Jacobo." I started laughing and laughing, all the first graders joined me and we joked about it for a couple days it was really cute.
Anyway, back to school on Saturday. I was talking with one girl in Spanish, and she kept responding in English. Finally she said, "Miss Bethany, I don't like it when you speak Spanish." I thought this was a very interesting comment. So I asked her, "Why don't you like it? Is it because I don't speak well, or is it because I always speak English with you and it is weird for me to speak Spanish?" She replied that I always talk in English to her so it is weird for me to speak Spanish. So we began to once again speak in English...and I ended up sharing Christ with her!!! And from what I can tell she understood and accepted Him as her Savior!! It made me very excited. This made going to school on Saturday worth it!!! :)
Anyway, back to school on Saturday. I was talking with one girl in Spanish, and she kept responding in English. Finally she said, "Miss Bethany, I don't like it when you speak Spanish." I thought this was a very interesting comment. So I asked her, "Why don't you like it? Is it because I don't speak well, or is it because I always speak English with you and it is weird for me to speak Spanish?" She replied that I always talk in English to her so it is weird for me to speak Spanish. So we began to once again speak in English...and I ended up sharing Christ with her!!! And from what I can tell she understood and accepted Him as her Savior!! It made me very excited. This made going to school on Saturday worth it!!! :)
Saturday, November 7, 2009
God made frogs for little boys
I think that God made frogs for little boys to play with. Here in Honduras...boys are afraid of frogs!!! In fact everyone is. My friend Denisse told me they are nasty! The other day there was a group of boys by the wall at school. I wandered over to find out what was going on. They were all watching a frog. Everytime the frog jumped they would jump. Some of the them would scream like little girls!!! I thought, "This is so wrong...boys are suppose to love to play with frogs." They are suppose to scare girls with them. So as much as I dislike touching frogs, I decided that I was going to have to pick this frog up to show them there was nothing wrong with it. So after a couple tries I caught it. A couple of the boys got brave enough to hold the frog by themselves and they even chased it and caught it!! Hopefully now in the future these little boys can enjoy frogs. It took me getting my hands a little dirty...but it was worth it.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Let the earth hear His voice...
So many things have happened in the last two days... First let me share the most exciting news. Every Friday night we have a children's ministry that starts at 5:30 and goes to 6:30. Tonight was no exception. Except we got there and no one was there...We prayed for a little while that God would bring who He wanted and that He would save these children. Six o'clock rolled around...no children...Six fifteen, Six twenty, finally at 6:25 two boys showed up. They said that there were more kids on their way.. We decided to wait and even though it was time to end we would do something with these children. The children that showed up were all older children (5th to 6th grade). Usually we have a program that is more for the 2nd and 3rd and younger. But tonight none of them came. We totally completely changed all our plans. We played a game that was more for their age group. Then we sat in a circle and share the gospel. Laura translated for me. Every one of these kids, 3 boys and 4 girls, sat with their eyes glued on me then Laura. They were listening with every aspect of their being. I don't think I have see kids ever more interested than these. They were so ready to hear the gospel. We gave an invitation for them to come to know Christ. Three of them looked up!!! The rest did not. But as far as the Spirit working in their hearts, I wouldn't be suprised if all of them came to know Christ tonight. It was so excited. God answered our prayer so specifically and quickly!!! He is so good. So tonight there are angels in heaven rejoicing and partying with Christ!!! Praise God.
I also wanted to share another cute story of the week. Yesterday, I was teaching in my first grade class. One of the boy accidently elbowed me in the eye. For some reason it hurt awlful and it brought tears to my eyes and I couldn't stop them. And you know how sometimes you start to cry and you just can't stop, not because of pain but because of the emtion of all the circumstance. HAHA so there I was with tears rolling down my cheeks. I couldn't really do anything but continue to teach, and I didn't want the boy to feel bad because it was an accident. All of the little first graders were completely silent and just stared at me. They didn't understand what had happened. One of the little girls got up and came and gave me a hug it was the cutest thing ever!!! Anyway, it is good and necessary to have a good cry sometimes..but probably not in English class. Right now I have bruise on my eyebrow that hurts to touch. Anyway, it will heal but it will be a story I will remember always.
God is faithful. I am so thank that He cares about my needs before I even know what they are going to be. He provides and shows His love in so many ways. I had been praying to find the movie Facing the Giants. I want to show it in some of my classes. I couldn't find it anywhere here. There are not alot of movie place. Anyway the other day Laura and I took a walk to another plaza, there was a movie rental place there. We went in just to ask and they had the movie!!! I was so excited. Then the lady told us that on Nov 15, 16, and 17 they are selling all the movies in their store because they have to many. The movie is on sale for 75 lempiras which is like $3.50 american dollars!!! Praise God!
As much as I miss my family and friends...God is right with me and for that I am thankful. Also my computer has a virus, but He has been helping me and Laura to figure out how to fix it and make it work... I could go on and on about the things that He is doing and has done. But I need to go to bed!
"Rejoice in the Lord always...again I say REJOICE"
I also wanted to share another cute story of the week. Yesterday, I was teaching in my first grade class. One of the boy accidently elbowed me in the eye. For some reason it hurt awlful and it brought tears to my eyes and I couldn't stop them. And you know how sometimes you start to cry and you just can't stop, not because of pain but because of the emtion of all the circumstance. HAHA so there I was with tears rolling down my cheeks. I couldn't really do anything but continue to teach, and I didn't want the boy to feel bad because it was an accident. All of the little first graders were completely silent and just stared at me. They didn't understand what had happened. One of the little girls got up and came and gave me a hug it was the cutest thing ever!!! Anyway, it is good and necessary to have a good cry sometimes..but probably not in English class. Right now I have bruise on my eyebrow that hurts to touch. Anyway, it will heal but it will be a story I will remember always.
God is faithful. I am so thank that He cares about my needs before I even know what they are going to be. He provides and shows His love in so many ways. I had been praying to find the movie Facing the Giants. I want to show it in some of my classes. I couldn't find it anywhere here. There are not alot of movie place. Anyway the other day Laura and I took a walk to another plaza, there was a movie rental place there. We went in just to ask and they had the movie!!! I was so excited. Then the lady told us that on Nov 15, 16, and 17 they are selling all the movies in their store because they have to many. The movie is on sale for 75 lempiras which is like $3.50 american dollars!!! Praise God!
As much as I miss my family and friends...God is right with me and for that I am thankful. Also my computer has a virus, but He has been helping me and Laura to figure out how to fix it and make it work... I could go on and on about the things that He is doing and has done. But I need to go to bed!
"Rejoice in the Lord always...again I say REJOICE"
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happenings:
What a great holiday we had... Yesterday our school celebrated International Day. Going into the night I had no idea what to expect. We had no school on Friday as we spent the whole day decorating. One really cool thing about preparing for an evening like that is that here people are so laid back they don't get stressed out over stuff. It was a very relaxing atmosphere to prepare it.
For the evening each class represented a different country. They prepared a display table and many of the classes prepared a special thing to do to show off their country. The 1st graders represented America. They all said in English different facts; it was very cute.
I was able to meet many of the children's parents. I enjoyed this a lot. I was able to communicate with them as well. Although by the end of the night I was so tired I had no idea what I was saying any more. A couple of the parents didn't come. This made me sad. Because these are kids that it seems that their parents don't care a lot for them. One boy told me that he lived by himself. I couldn't believe this. I think what he meant is that he lives with his mom, but she has to work all the time so he can go to this private school. So he is literally by himself all day and almost all night long. Here people work 7 days a week.
I was able to talk with one parent who is a believer. It was encouraging to fellowship a little with here. She bought my dinner which was really nice too :).
Something that we have noticed about the culture here. Is that women are taken care of in the sense that men do the hard laborous jobs and provide for the women. But emotional women are tore down so low that they are made to believe they are not worth much. So the women look down on those that are lower than them so that they feel better about themselves. For example, after the evening we began to clean up. There was trash everywhere so I got a broom and Laura and I started sweeping. We were told not to do this because it was the maid's job. There was so much garbage that it would take her forever to clean it up. But we noticed that really none of the other teachers talk with the maids. How sad. God loves us all so much that He made us special to Him. He loves all people.
My prayer is that I will be able to allow these people to see God's love through me. Especially these ones that have nothing.
For the evening each class represented a different country. They prepared a display table and many of the classes prepared a special thing to do to show off their country. The 1st graders represented America. They all said in English different facts; it was very cute.
I was able to meet many of the children's parents. I enjoyed this a lot. I was able to communicate with them as well. Although by the end of the night I was so tired I had no idea what I was saying any more. A couple of the parents didn't come. This made me sad. Because these are kids that it seems that their parents don't care a lot for them. One boy told me that he lived by himself. I couldn't believe this. I think what he meant is that he lives with his mom, but she has to work all the time so he can go to this private school. So he is literally by himself all day and almost all night long. Here people work 7 days a week.
I was able to talk with one parent who is a believer. It was encouraging to fellowship a little with here. She bought my dinner which was really nice too :).
Something that we have noticed about the culture here. Is that women are taken care of in the sense that men do the hard laborous jobs and provide for the women. But emotional women are tore down so low that they are made to believe they are not worth much. So the women look down on those that are lower than them so that they feel better about themselves. For example, after the evening we began to clean up. There was trash everywhere so I got a broom and Laura and I started sweeping. We were told not to do this because it was the maid's job. There was so much garbage that it would take her forever to clean it up. But we noticed that really none of the other teachers talk with the maids. How sad. God loves us all so much that He made us special to Him. He loves all people.
My prayer is that I will be able to allow these people to see God's love through me. Especially these ones that have nothing.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Let the little children come
Tonight while sitting and talking with my parents on skype at Dunkin Donuts.. two little boys came in and were hungry. At first the cashier chased them away. But they came back again. I had decided that if they came back I was going to buy them some food. When they came back the 2nd time I was talking with my parents. The guard tried to shoo them away. My friend Laura told the guard that the boys were coming with us...actually I have no idea what she said..but he left and she brought the boys in. We bought them some food from Burger King and Dunkin Donuts. As they sat there with us..my parents were about to say hi to them on skype...and then we talk with them for a while. They are from the River...which means they basically live in cardboard boxes by the river. We shared a little about how God loves them, then they had to go.
There are so many people that are destitute here. I know that I cannot help all of them. As I was reminded by a friend recently, we were commanded to give to those in need who ask of us.
These little boys reminded me of my state before God. I have nothing to give him but my love, and that doesn't even amount to much. "But God demonstrated His own love toward us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us."
There are so many people that are destitute here. I know that I cannot help all of them. As I was reminded by a friend recently, we were commanded to give to those in need who ask of us.
These little boys reminded me of my state before God. I have nothing to give him but my love, and that doesn't even amount to much. "But God demonstrated His own love toward us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us."
Saturday, October 24, 2009
You know you are an American teacher in Honduras when: When you start dripping sweat the minute you walk outside the air conditioning. When people where hats, gloves, and winter coats in 70 degree weather. When you are stared at everywhere you go because you stick out like a sore thumb. When you can't flush toilet paper down the toilet. When there are no doors on the bathrooms. When you kiss and hug strangers everyday. When you are given many hugs. When people are so giving they will give you anything even if they don't have it. When you walk down the street and are not surprised to hear people yelling, "Hey Baby" out of their windows. When you want to go to Burger King not because of the food or internet service but because of the Air Conditioning. When your students say, "You hair looks more jello today," because they say their "y" like "j" and are meaning yellow. When you eat chicken or refried beans for every meal. When Ice Tea has become your favorite drink. When you don't do you hair because it will look like you haven't done it in 5 minutes anyway. When a Baleada has become your favorite food. When you get so excited to sleep in a room with air conditioning that you you go to bed early When ordering fast food you memorize the order of the questions they ask because you don't understand what they are saying. When you see one of your students everywhere you go. When you are amazing because you are from the same country as the the American Soccer team. When everyone from the grandmas to the babies have a national soccer jersey. When you can talk to anyone you meet about soccer and they will know details to the core. When anytime you say, "Let's pray" people stand out of respect. When the only place you can hang out with other people is the mall or Burger King. When dogs run into the school and people aren't really surprized. When restaurants are always clumped together. When the thought of wearing pants makes you sweat so you choose a skirt even if it is the most causal outing. When you respond to the child who says, "Miiiss,Miiiss," and you don't correct them to say ,"Miss Bethany or Miss Laura" When you are hanging out with your fellow teachers and call them Miss Pamela or Mr Daniel. When dogs lay in the middle of the road even when there are cars. When your students have to translate so that you can talk to their parents. When people wear English shirts they don't understand the written just because it is an English shirt. When you pretend to exchange hair with a different person every weekend because they want "yellow" hair. When you have to pull toilet paper off the wall before you go into to the stall to use the bathroom and if you forget...you better hope you can speak spanish. When you are at the beach and order soup and are served soup with lobster legs hanging out, a whole fish minus the eyes, snails, chopped up squid, and a hammer to open the fish up. What many different things we have experienced here. Some have been good...others well they sure make it an experience.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Pray Pray Pray...
Prayer Request...tomorrow night 10/24/09 we are watching the movie Fireproof at our church. We have invited a couple of the teachers to come. One of the teachers that just got saved is coming and so is her ex husband...I am praying for them to get back together and for his salvation. Please pray that God will work in her heart and in his. Also there is another teacher coming with her husband. She just got saved recently too, but he needs the Lord. They are having marriage problems as well. Pray that God will do mighty things. I am excited to see what He will do. Thanks for all your prayers and encouraging notes. I love to hear from you all and what God is doing in your lives. I am so glad for the connection that we have in Christ!!!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Slowing learning :)
This has been a nice week. I am learning Spanish more and more... The other night we were visiting some people and everyone was speaking in Spanish. I was able to switch back and forth between people's conversations and understand the conversations!!! I didn't know every word. But I understood what the conversations was about and what was being said. This made me so excited. I have no idea how it works that our minds can learn like this, but I am very thankful that God has given me the ability to do this!!! Also today I was able to share my testimony with a lady for the first time in Spanish!!! Praise God. I still have much to learn, but I am understanding some. I am very excited. Estoy mucho imocional!!!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Gringos vs. Carachos What a Crazy Night!!!
Yesterday was a day to remember!!! We went to a US national game!!! I never thought that I would do that! They were playing Honduras, and it was very VERY interesting... I am so glad that I had the opportunity. Right when we got out of the van to walk to the stadium... It decided to down pour... so there we were running through the rain the "Gringos" :). The rain kept dripping in my eyes so that I could not see. I grabbed on to Laura and closed my eyes and ran. It was pretty scary running blindly in the rain. We got into the entrance and there were lines everywhere to get into the stadium. One line saw us with our Honduras' jerseys on and start cheering for us, "Gringos, Gringos" and blowing their horns and yelling really loud. It made me laugh. We had left the house at 1 pm or so and got there at 2. The game didn't start until 8pm!! As soon as we got in line under a building it stopped raining...We were drenched!
So there we were waiting in line for next hour and a half to get into the stadium. So much excitement was in the air. The whole country was into the game for seriousness. Massive crowds of people were everywhere. To get into the stadium you had to push into this narrow area. Seriously you had to push to fit. Finally we all got into the Stadium. I had to go to the bathroom really really bad.. I decided I will always be thankful for US bathrooms no matter how bad they are... these were...well way worse would be an understatement.
We got into arena. The seats were only cement steps that you sat where you could. It was so loud because of the excitement. Everyone was cheering as loud as they could, and the game was not to start for 4 more hours!!!! When everyone would jump up and down the cement would shake. It was pretty crazy! So for 4 hours we cheer and cheered and cheered some more. Probably my favorite thing of the whole night was watching the excitement of the Hondurans. It actually made me think of Heaven. I wonder what the excitement level will be there when we see God if these Hondurans get this excited over a soccer game!
Well we got water, and who knows what else dumped all over us! I was watching the game with a person less than 2 inches in front of me!! It was crazy! When Honduras made their first goal everyone went crazy I got pushed and almost fell down the step! It was so fun to watch.
I had been planning on cheering for Honduras because if they won they were going to be able to go to the World Cup, this would have been the first time since 1982 that they have been in it. But when the US team arrived, my mind changed. There is a loyalty to my country that I really didn't know existed in my heart. So sometimes outwardly I would cheer for Honduras. But in my heart i would be cheering for the US!
Anyway I could go on and on about the different things that happened, but I don't think that my words are able to describe the experience. The US did end up winning 3-2...now how many of you that are reading this knew that...That was the saddest part for me. I was glad that the US won. But every Honduran was heartbroken sad. Laura said to me, "In the United States most people don't even care about this, but here these people it was there life!" She was so right. I felt really bad.
Anyway, I tried to describe some of the excitement, but I really don't think that words can describe what took place. I am so glad that I was able to go! But it sure was quite an experience.
So there we were waiting in line for next hour and a half to get into the stadium. So much excitement was in the air. The whole country was into the game for seriousness. Massive crowds of people were everywhere. To get into the stadium you had to push into this narrow area. Seriously you had to push to fit. Finally we all got into the Stadium. I had to go to the bathroom really really bad.. I decided I will always be thankful for US bathrooms no matter how bad they are... these were...well way worse would be an understatement.
We got into arena. The seats were only cement steps that you sat where you could. It was so loud because of the excitement. Everyone was cheering as loud as they could, and the game was not to start for 4 more hours!!!! When everyone would jump up and down the cement would shake. It was pretty crazy! So for 4 hours we cheer and cheered and cheered some more. Probably my favorite thing of the whole night was watching the excitement of the Hondurans. It actually made me think of Heaven. I wonder what the excitement level will be there when we see God if these Hondurans get this excited over a soccer game!
Well we got water, and who knows what else dumped all over us! I was watching the game with a person less than 2 inches in front of me!! It was crazy! When Honduras made their first goal everyone went crazy I got pushed and almost fell down the step! It was so fun to watch.
I had been planning on cheering for Honduras because if they won they were going to be able to go to the World Cup, this would have been the first time since 1982 that they have been in it. But when the US team arrived, my mind changed. There is a loyalty to my country that I really didn't know existed in my heart. So sometimes outwardly I would cheer for Honduras. But in my heart i would be cheering for the US!
Anyway I could go on and on about the different things that happened, but I don't think that my words are able to describe the experience. The US did end up winning 3-2...now how many of you that are reading this knew that...That was the saddest part for me. I was glad that the US won. But every Honduran was heartbroken sad. Laura said to me, "In the United States most people don't even care about this, but here these people it was there life!" She was so right. I felt really bad.
Anyway, I tried to describe some of the excitement, but I really don't think that words can describe what took place. I am so glad that I was able to go! But it sure was quite an experience.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
From Death to Life!!!!
What excitement!!!! There is a girl that Laura and I met when we first moved here. Her name is Pamela. Laura has been able to share the gospel with her, and on last Friday I was able to share the gospel with her as well. Yesterday, she came and hung with me at Burger King for awhile. We started talking more. And she shared with me that on Friday when she went home, she had asked Jesus to clean her heart!!! I was so excited. We talked for a hour or more about things of the Lord. The Holy Spirit has given her great understanding. She had many questions and as we read the scriptures together she understood so much. This made me so excited! We are going to began a Bible Study together! Praise God for the life that He has given us. We are no longer dead, but we are alive in Him!!!!
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